Flesh tunnels are the latest thing that all the punk and hardcore kids are getting. Teenagers today seemingly unsatisfied with merely piercing their ears are shoving larger and larger tubes into their ears for shock value and scene credibility. Shock value is certainly gained from those who have never seen this stretching preformed.

Piercings can be stretched using a variety of methods. (Note: We are not recommending you try this). The most common method for stretching is the Taper, a rod that increases at one end in diameter to make the stretch as it is inserted. These can be” professionally" manufactured stretching tapers (usually made of surgical stainless steel or acrylic) or it can be things found around the house. Everything from stainless rod to aluminium bike tubes to knitting needles to wood to plastic bottles progressively wrapped in electrical tape have been used by people stretching their piercings. Weights can also be suspended from the piercing and over time this increases the size. This method however runs the risk of uneven stretching.

Once stretched there are a few options on the types of jewellery that can be inserted. True Flesh tunnels are popular because their hollow nature means that they weigh less than the other option (flesh plugs) they also offer the shock value of allowing viewer to see straight though the wearers ears. Flesh Plugs are solid and can give the appearance of normal earrings if not for the unusually large lobes. Flesh plugs usually have highly colourful and even glow in the dark designs.

Whether you like flesh tunnels their sudden rise in popularity indicates that they will not be disappearing in a hurry. It is best to either jump on the flesh tunnel loving bandwagon or grit your teeth and bear it until the next “more shocking” fashion fad comes around.